Clay man faces multiple charges after his Jeep hits, kills pedestrian

A Clay County man has been charged after hitting a pedestrian with his 1994 Jeep and killing the man, state police said in a news release.

Freddy Smith, 52, of Bear Branch was driving south on U.S. 421 Saturday evening when he ran off the road and hit Leroy Gilliam, 62, of Goose Rock, according to the news release.

The Clay County coroner pronounced Gilliam dead at the scene.

Smith kept driving for about a mile before losing control of his vehicle again and hitting a guardrail, state police said.

Trooper John Barnett arrested Smith on charges of murder, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident and having no insurance. Smith also faces drug-related charges, according to the news release.

The fatal incident happened eight miles south of Manchester. State police were notified at 8:57 p.m. Saturday.

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